Assemblyman Sean Kean wants to put an end to the
practice of New Jersey Governors appearing in self-promotional
advertisements paid for by taxpayers.
Kean said Governor McGreevey took this practice
to a new level, plastering his image on countless television commercials
and brochures. Advertising prominently featuring Governor McGreevey cost
New Jersey taxpayers more than $38 million over the past three years.
"This type of spending needs to be restricted,"
said Kean. "The amount of money spent on newsletters, television and
radio advertisements, and other promotional materials is inexcusable. It
is a blatant disregard for the taxpayers of New Jersey."
Kean has introduced legislation that would
prohibit a Governor from appearing in state-funded advertisements or
promotions unless the Governor's image is essential to achieve a public
purpose. If a Governor's appearance is deemed unnecessary he or she
would be required to reimburse the department or agency for the cost of
the advertisement.
